Well, after many years of searching, I am finally going to post a wanted thread for two decals that were on my Aero Willys. Both of them came off when I applied a "windex" type spray (generic brand) on the inside of the windows. and the old decals literally fell off. It makes me sick still thinking of it... First is a Tuned Decal --- I chased it for years from the guy that once owned it. He finally sold it to me and it was on my car after I just built it for about 2-3 months. Its from Al & Ed's Radio which I think was based in CA. I love this decal and really would like another for my hot rod to wear once again! Second is the Mt Vernon Speed shop Willys decal for my Willys. I saved as much of it as I could as it shriveled off and placed it in a CD case, but, its just not the same in there as it would be on my car. I've included pictures for reference. Please PM me, or respond. Any leads would also be appreciated. I'd have to think you West Coast guys may have these stashed in a draw. Being on the east coast, these are hard for me to find. This is my last ditch effort. If I cant find them, some others will take their place.
Any competent local sign/graphics company can use those images to try and replicate, the Tuned being more complicated due to the details, but the Mt Vernon one should be real simple to make.
Understood Peter. I've looked into it but they won't manufacture a water decal. Also, I just want the real McCoy. I know this seems trivial, but, I'm hoping someone has one in their 'stash".
I've had mixed results with "decals" for my '39 Chev gasser 1/4 windows. Most I've found for local shops in my area were old decals that are great! Repop peel off stickers are often poor quality, and some faded to almost white in less than one summer! Others wore out and began peeling and I had to remove them. There are some I still have on both of my gassers that still look like new and are great after over a decade on my Austin gasser. Nobody makes repopped decals, and I've put a sign on my windshield asking for original decals at shows, and got one guy who had some from a local speed shop called "Radke's" and he just gave them to me free. I stopped asking or using the sign after no responses.
VoeTom, I will look into them as a worst case scenario. I'm going to leave this post up for a week or two. Thanks for sharing. I wasn't aware of the company. I saw what he did with some bicycle decals. - Impressive
Even if you find the old decals you're looking for you may be disappointed when you put them in water. Several years ago I found an old decal I had wanted for years but when I put it in water it wrinkled and "crazed" terribly - actually forming into a partial rolled-up ball/mess. As I attempted to straighten it, the decal just broke into many, many tiny pieces - ruined. I don't know if it was because of age or if it was stored in a hot attic or what ...??? I wish you luck in your endeavor.
A long time ago we used to make our own decals. We took a picture out of a magazine (no computers and printers back then) and spray clear over it. Let it dry. Soak it in warm water and the paper would come off and leave the color stuck to the clear. They were an instant decals.
Gus made decals for my Schwinn bikes. Stunning. They need clear coated with polyurethane. The detail is impressive.
this guy is a buddy of mine. I would send him a message he has a huge collection of stickers he might have what you're looking for. Items for sale by camelliacitysupply | eBay
Water slide decal paper is available. Take a picture of your Mt. Vernon decal and restore what's missing via Photoshop, then print it on the decal paper. Other paper is also available if you don't want water slide. Do same thing with others if you have a good picture of them. If not, you could redo them based on the photos you have.
I have a friend who worked at Al and Ed's for a long time. I will send him a message and see what he says.
Hello Gus, I reached out to him after I saw your post. Yes, Im impressed with the decals for bikes he has done. I am going to scan the decals and send his way if I get no other promising response.....I have to think someone has 1 or 2 of these hidden away here.
I've been in San Bernardino for over 70 years and have never heard of Mt. Vernon Speed Center. I've been up and down many times a year and never seen or heard of that. I guess that would be very unique but not recognized by that local. I'd maybe get you a Scotty's Muffler Shop one. All three locations thru the years were located about a mile from Mt. Vernon Avenue.